Two police officers killed in shooting during Wisconsin traffic stop

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) reported Saturday that two police officers were killed after a routine traffic stop turned into an exchange of gunfire with a driver at around 3 p.m. The two officers died at the scene and the suspect who initiated the shooting died later at the hospital where he was transported.

The reason for the exchange of fire is still unknown but the DOJ reported that the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation is leading the inquiries with assistance from the Rusk County Sheriff's Office, the Barron County Sheriff's Office, the State Patrol, the Department of Natural Resources, a Division of Criminal Investigation crime response specialist and the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul stated, "I am deeply saddened by today's tragic loss of two officers. My thoughts are with their families and the Chetek and Cameron Police Departments at this incredibly difficult time."

Police reaction

Other law enforcement agencies in the state of Wisconsin sent their condolences to those involved in this tragedy via social media. On Facebook the Oconto Police Department posted their condolences, "We are saddened to learn of the loss of two officers in Barron County. Our hearts go out to the families of these officers, as well as to their colleagues, friends and the communities they served."

In addition, the Hudson Police Department shared their sorrow over what happened, "It is with great sorrow that we send our thoughts and prayers to the Village of Cameron Police Department, the City of Chetek Police Department, the Barron County community and the families of two officers lost in the line of duty today."

The town of Cameron in Barron County is 365 kilometers (227 miles) west of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and 154 kilometers (96 miles) northeast of Minneapolis. Chetek, Wisconsin, is located approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of Cameron.